of next week we ought to get some clue from Washington
as to Mr. Stans' verdicts on hip visits so far and then
we have to determine our own line, at least to the extent of ceciding what guidance or even instructions we need to give to Hong Kong for the purpose of her talks with him in about three or four weeks' time.
I have reached the conclusion that it would be
desirable for someone from London to go to Hong Kong to
take part in the discussions with Mr. Stans and his team
there. Otherwise there is a danger that ho may be able to
play London off against Hong Kong and vice versa particularly if we still co not know in London where our own strictly British self-interest lies on which
there are two vicws within the Board of Trade. The London representative could be either from the Board of Trade or the Fco. I have an open mind on this. A good deal also depends on what line we decide it would be best for Hong Kong to take. I should be glad if you would be giving some thought, in consultation with the geographical department as well as Commodities Lepartment, to whom the London representative in the Hong Kong talks might
be.
A.W. Snelling
25 April, 1969
Copies to: Mr. Whitehead
Sir A. Galsworthy
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